Biocontrol introduction

Target pest: Pieris rapae (Lepidoptera: Pieridae), cabbage white butterfly

Agent introduced: Compsilura concinnata (Diptera: Tachinidae)

Imported:

1940-41

Import source:

Quebec, Canada, and eastern USA (via Canada)

Import notes:

Cameron et al. (1989) - a single shipment of C. concinnata was imported in the 1940-41 season from Canada, where colonies had been built up from Quebec and eastern USA. A successful colony was set up in New Zealand.

Released:

Cameron et al. (1989) - not released, despite the success of laboratory colonisation, possibly because of concern about its host range.

References

Cameron PJ, Hill RL, Bain J, Thomas WP (1989). A Review of Biological Control of Invertebrate Pests and Weeds in New Zealand 1874-1987. Technical Communication No 10. CAB International Institute of Biological Control. DSIR Entomology Division. 424p.